CITB headquarters switch 'not viable' for West Norfolk staff, union warns
Proposals to move the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) headquarters out of West Norfolk will not be viable for many of its current workers, union leaders have warned.
Bosses yesterday announced the board would "actively seek" a site for a new head office in the Peterborough area and hopes to sign a lease later this year.
But the Unite union has today demanded the plan is suspended and a fresh consultation process is carried out.
Mark Robinson, its regional co-ordinating officer, claimed the head office issue was being used as a "smokescreen" for bigger job losses and dismissed the board's pledges of support for staff to move to the new site.
He said: "While there may be a job for some in Peterborough, it is simply too far away for it be financially viable for the overwhelming majority of staff.
“The board will be paying millions in redundancy payments and spending huge sums on recruiting new staff.
"We are calling on the CITB’s new chairman, Peter Lauener, to suspend the whole process, undertake a full and independent review and consult with industry to find out what it wants."
But Mr Lauener, and other board bosses, maintain the move is a crucial part of the process of securing the organisation's future.
He said: "CITB has embarked on a radical transformation programme which will deliver the skills British construction needs.
"To do this, we will need to become a more flexible, dynamic organisation, working in partnership with employers in all parts of Great Britain and setting the standards for future skills.
"Part of that change will mean establishing a new head office in a more central location such as Peterborough where access to other parts of the country will be easier.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to maximise the development of the CITB’s site in Bircham Newton and thereby leave a lasting legacy for the local community and the economy of North Norfolk."
But North West Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham called the decision "cowardly" and claimed it contradicted commitments made to him during recent talks.
